Blog

Due to technical difficulties, our interview with Linda Glaz is in print!

Linda is a multi-published author in historic romance and romantic suspense. She’s a literary agent with Hartline Literary Agency and loves finding new treasures, especially in fiction. She speaks/teaches nationwide. Linda is married with three children and three grandchildren. As a theatre nut, she loves working with costumes and musical theatre. She’s had an awesome life thus far serving in the Air Force, teaching women’s defense, and refereeing and teaching soccer nationally. She agrees with George Bailey, It’s a Wonderful Life!

Workshop Presented by Linda:

He said. She said. Oh, my!
A funny look into the mistakes writers make when writing the opposite gender in their novels. Did he really call that Chartreuse? Did she really say, Dude! How’s it hangin’?
Laugh your way into learning the difference between male and female POV and how to write it correctly.

And now, without further ado . . . the interview. Can you picture Bethany Jet smiling from ear to ear asking Linda these questions?

How did you get started in your industry? (publishing, writing, acquisitions, etc)

I was hooked once I wrote my first story at age 13. Was it published? Absolutely not! It was terrible. But I knew I had to write. I love helping other authors, and I did everything wrong as an author when I started. So agenting was the next logical step since I could teach writers how I did it all wrong and how they can do it all right.

Why are you passionate about writers conferences?

I love meeting with other people who "get me" and what I do. No one else really understands writers like other writers. Also, it is a wonderful place to get to find new talent.

When attendees have their 15-minute appointments, what can they expect from their time with you? Are you acquiring? What sort of advice can they expect?

I like to get to know the "person" even more than learning about projects. I have to know if we'll connect on a personal level. Then, it's important to learn whether or not they are serious about their craft. Also, it's fun just to discuss the industry. I love suspense and romance. Combine them and I'm in heaven.

What is your favorite piece of writing advice?

Don't show anyone your work until it is the absolute best that it can be. Rushing to the finish line will only delay that first contract.

Tell us more about who you are—something most people wouldn’t know about you or would be surprised to know.

I have always loved doing things, firsts, if you will, that women generally did not do at the time. No doubt comes from having all brothers. I served in the Air Force at a time when it wasn't particularly popular to do so. I taught women's self-defense for many years. Taught soccer for 25 years. And I love to sing, direct musicals, and work on costumes.

What book are you currently reading?

I just finished rereading a client's book. One so amazing, I could read it over and over.

My first one as an agent. It was the initial meeting with an author who has stayed a very close friend to this day. We were both shaking...lol! when we first sat down.

For the person watching who is “on the fence” about attending a writers conference, what are your words of encouragement?

The networking, classes, and friendships will more than make up for the cost of the conference. Go any time that you can.

If you have any questions for Linda or Bethany, leave a comment. We hope this encourages you to come meet our faculty in person, pitch your projects, make amazing connections, and follow your writing dreams.